YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
95% percent wilderness territory
The Park is located in CALIFORNIA. The third park in the National Park System and one of the first areas of land to be granted protection under law, Yosemite National Park doesn’t fail to inspire.
At the size of Rhode Island, Yosemite is 95% percent wilderness territory boasting mountainous terrain and a Mediterranean climate, interspersed with valleys, waterfalls, impressive cliffs, Lyell Glacier, old-growth and coniferous forests, foothill chaparrals, 1,600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and thousands of lakes and ponds dotting the landscape.
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Ribbon Falls in Yosemite National Park is an astounding nine times larger than Niagara Falls! Most visitors spend their time in the seven square miles of the Yosemite Valley microcosm. There is so much to do: hiking, horseback riding, camping, scenic drives, biking, fishing, bird-watching, rock climbing at El Captain (one of the most renowned climbing spots in the world), boating, rafting, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding at Badger Pass, ice-skating, and guided tours – just to name a few.
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The highly photographed Tunnel View is the first true view of the valley and shares stunning views with passersby. A tip: approximately 33% of the 4 million annual visitors come during the months of July and August, so get to the park early because getting to the entrance can be long and frustrating. The famed Tunnel View is a welcome escape from the bumper view in front of you.
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If you want to get out of the “village,” drive 16 miles west on Tioga Pass Scenic Road to Tuolumne Grove. The hike showcases giant ancient sequoias – the largest tree species by volume – on an old carriage road that loops through a small grove of these very large trees. It’s about a three-mile walk and easy enough for most to do. Back in the village, take a hike on the Yosemite Falls trail to climb right to the face of the famous (and North America’s tallest) waterfall. A challenging 7.2-mile roundtrip hike that gains 2,700 feet in elevation. Start early, as this will take you anywhere between six and eight hours to complete. This old and historic trail is comprised of switchbacks all the way to the top. Shorten the hike by about 5 miles and land at Columbia Rock, which offers great views of the valley; the Half Dome, a granite formation that hovers 5,000 feet over the valley; and Sentinel Rock.
do you want to get out of the village?
COST
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Yosemite is one of the more expensive parks to visit but not without good reason. One vehicle pass is $30 ($25 from November through March), $20 for motorcycles and $15 if you show up on foot, bike or horse.
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PETS
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Feel free to bring your furry loved ones to the park, but remember to keep them in the developed areas like the parking areas and paved paths. You cannot bring them to walk-in campgrounds.
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OPEN
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The Park is open year round. |
FOOD SERVICES
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Yosemite has year-round grocery stores, restaurants, cafes and snack bars. Some are only open seasonally, but there will always be at least one food service available in the park. People aren’t the only ones who enjoy food, remember that bears are prevalent in this park and they’re hungry too. Know what to do if you encounter one. Yosemite Valley even has a post office.
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celebrations
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Holidays’ celebration might be available on many lodge and restaurants. If you want to experience them, check them out.
No the park is open year round. |
ACCOMMODATIONS
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There are 13 campgrounds, 9 lodges and backcountry camping is available. Reservations are absolutely recommended. The lodging options include: The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Wawona Hotel, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, White Wolf Lodge, High Sierra Camps, Glacier Point Ski Hut. RV camping is also an option at ten of the campgrounds.
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SCENIC ROAD
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Tioga Road is a 39 mile scenic drive from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. There are 350 miles of roads in the park.
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TOURS
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There are several guided tours available. The Valley Floor Tour about a two hour bus tour led by a ranger through the deep valleys of Yosemite. Learn about the history and geological significance of this site. Glacier Point Tour takes you on a four hour tour to Glacier Point and back again. If you prefer a one way ticket - they can drop you there. Tuolemene Meadows explores the meadowlands on a full day tour led by a ranger. There are also interpretive programs available for people of all ages.
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FAMOUS TRAILS
Glacier Point trail, also known as the 4-mile trail, is a must-do at Yosemite. The trip to the point from the Yosemite Valley floor is an intense 9.4 miles, with the last several miles navigating narrow paths and on the brink of sheer cliffs. It’s worth it for the vistas, a look at a cascading glacial waterfall, and the sense of accomplishment for tackling one of America’s most iconic trails. If this kind of adventure is too much for you, take the shuttle up to Glacier Point and hike the 4-mile trail back down. This is still a moderate hike but not nearly as tiresome as the full shebang. Look out for bobcat, black bears, gray fox, mule deer, marmots, owls, and snakes.
when to go
81F - 89F
April - August Most likely: driest months |
50F / 80F
Most likely: Winter Time |
28F - 53F
September - May Tire chains might be required! |
who may meet you here?
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curiosity
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There is a granite formation in Yosemite called the Half Dome. It reaches 5,000 feet above the floor of the valley. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. |
who was behind the yosemite national park ?
Pres. Abraham Lincoln
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Galen Clark is thought to have discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees; this discovery encouraged him – and others – to lobby to protect the Yosemite Valley area. President Lincoln heard their cries and signed the Yosemite Grant in 1864. This grant was the first case in which a large swathe of land would be legally protected by the federal government and open for public use. This effort paved the way for what we know and cherish as the National Park System. Yosemite became a United States national park on October 1, 1890.
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SAFETY
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